BMW has announced that it will continue as official vehicle partner to the FIA Formula E Championship, with its full range of BMW i and plug-in hybrid models being utilised. Once more the i8 will be used as the Safety Car but for the new season, unlike the car we drove last season, this i8 has been significantly modified.
One of the biggest modifications to the BMW i8 is a new inductive charging system that has been developed by its technology partner, Qualcomm. In conjunction with a new chemical used in the car's high-voltage battery it can now be charged wirelessly by driving over a specially developed inductive charging pad, with a full charge taking just one hour - significantly faster than other systems currently in use.
In addition to the faster charging time, the new battery cell's output has increased by 10kW. Both BMW and Qualcomm point out that this system is still very much at the working prototype stage, but such technology could very well make its way into future models like a second-generation i3 or i8.
Mechanically there have also been some adjustments to help boost performance. The car now sits 15mm lower thanks to some adjustable Bilstein suspension while stopping power has been increased with the fitment of AP Racing brakes, with six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers on the rear. It rides on 20-inch ATS racing rims with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 245/35 R20s on the front and 245/30 R20s on the rear.
Minor bodywork changes include the replacement of the glass engine cover with a lighter and ventilated plastic one. Aerodynamics have also been looked at with carbon fibre spoiler lips fitted on the rear and new diffusers fitted underneath to help improve airflow. Inside the engine bay two additional cooling fans have been added along with more heat insulation for around the exhaust system.
The cabin still retains much of the core architecture of the road-going i8, but extra equipment to enable its role as Safety Car for the Formula E Championship, such as an iPad mounted in front of the co-driver and a number of control switches for the radio and lighting system, has been added. Its roll cage is also the first to be FIA-certified for the BMW i8 while the airbags have been removed and carbon fibre race seats with safety harnesses have been added.
Now that Formula E is entering its second season, it could be understandable for BMW to spec-up its Safety Car but we can't help feel that, much like the M4 MotoGP Safety Car that went on to spawn the Concept M4 GTS, it is likely to enter production soon. Could this new Safety Car be a forerunner to the rumoured higher-performance i8 and BMW is testing right under our noses?
Anything else?
In keeping with the electric theme of the Formula E Championship, BMW is providing an i3 Medical car along with its new X5 eDrive as a Rescue Car. BMW is also supplying two C evolution electric scooters for use around each circuit as shuttles.